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Computing and IT Courses in Australia: A Complete Guide

As an international student, choosing a career path in Australia can be stressful and overwhelming. To find the right career option, it is important to evaluate yourself and look for a career that has a wider scope like computers and technology.

If you want to become an IT professional, studying computing and information technology courses in Australia can open doors to many IT jobs for you.

It offers a wide range of career opportunities if you have hands-on experience in Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing, Data visualization, Data Management and Machine Learning. You can expect high salary packages if you end up in banking, hospitality, telecom, cable and Media.

These courses include four lower-level certificates, in which I, II, and III provide basic computer skills, whereas certificate IV level includes diplomas and advanced diplomas that prepare students with skills needed to enter specific careers in computing and information technology.

You can consider undertaking a certificate I or II before going for more specialised diplomas or advanced diploma.

A general qualification in IT offers various skills to graduates that they can use in different Information Technology roles. However, there is also a long list of specialisations to prepare students for specific areas like:

Computer System Engineering

Digital and Interactive games

Information technology project Management

Computer System Technology

System Analysis and Design

Testing

Software development

Systems Administrations

Digital and Interactive Games

Networking and programming

Information Technology Support

VET qualifications also offer some high-level qualifications at a vocational graduate diploma level and vocational graduate certificate level. These qualifications level are equivalent to the graduate diplomas and graduate certificates provided in the higher secondary sector but are more focused on practicals.

As these qualifications are more practical than any other degree in the higher education sector, they provide a gateway to undergraduate computing and information technology degrees.

Where to Study VET Courses?

Australia is home to many TAFE institutes, universities with TAFE department and private colleges that offer these courses. You can visit a website like OzStudies to find out the right place to study VET courses in Computing and Information Technology.

2. Undergraduate Courses in Computing and Information Technology

The bachelor in computing and IT gives you the flexibility to complete a stand-alone program with an in-depth specialisation of your choice. Courses in IT bachelor programs in Australia range from technical courses in a programming language and software engineering to end-users topics like web development, database management systems and e-commerce.

If you have a more specific career in mind, you can enter any specialised course in your area of interest. But, if you are not sure about completing a degree in a particular field, you can undertake IT electives and computing as a part of the program in other disciplines.

Graduates in the computing and IT field are also eligible to complete the Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) Professional Year Program (PYP). This is a one-year program that helps international students to gain workplace skills and work experience at the end of their Australian study program.

Undergraduate degrees in computing and information technology are available in most Australian universities, TAFE institutes and some private colleges. When choosing a university or institution to study this undergraduate course, look for its accreditation from the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Courses that gain recognition from ACS follow an industry - approved standard curriculum, maintain facilities and equipment to a high industry standard.

3. Postgraduate Courses in Computing and Information Technology (IT)

The third level is the postgraduate qualification in Computing & Information Technology. This field has grown a lot in recent years. Postgraduate study is not only the preferable choice of many undergraduates, but many professionals are also returning to study it in order to update their knowledge and skills or to qualify for more senior positions.

There is an extensive list of postgraduate coursework degrees in computing and information technology. The options are available at the graduate diploma, graduate certificate and masters by coursework level.

The general courses allow students to complete different specialisations in areas like:

The best places to study information technology postgraduate degrees are TAFE institutes, universities and many private colleges across Australia. The course you choose depends on your career goals and qualifications level.

If you want to enhance your skills, you can study a specialised degree. And if you want to enter IT management positions, you can go with a double degree that includes a management focus.